| 摘要 |
<p>Desalinization of seawater is accomplished through the use of a forward osmotic process, which relies on a series of steps involving the opposition of various aqueous solutions across semi-permeable membranes (12, 26, 44). These solutions are of differing osmolar concentrations, and are used at differing temperatures. The process takes advantage of the solutes having highly temperature dependent solubilities, as well as the relatively temperature indifferent solubility of NaCl(aq), the primary solute present in seawater. The resulting potable water can be used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural uses. If a more rigid purification is desired, a final reverse osmotic step may be used. Other aspects of the invention provide for a series of energy generation steps (18, 32, 50) to offset required energy inputs and to enhance overall efficiency of the disclosed process.</p> |
